University System of Georgia officials say the president of Georgia Regents University is resigning from his position.

Officials said in a statement Thursday that the resignation of Ricardo Azziz will be effective June 30. University System Chancellor Hank Huckaby told the Augusta Chronicle that the president's decision to leave was voluntary.

Huckaby said a search for a new leader will begin immediately, with a goal of having someone in place by July.

Officials say Azziz was named president of the Medical College of Georgia in 2010, before the school merged with Augusta State University to become Georgia Regents University.

System officials say the school increased its graduation rate by more than six percent between 2012 and 2014 and ended 2014 with a school record of $106 million in research funding.

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Contributors: The Augusta Chronicle

Tags: Georgia Regents University, president ricardo azziz, georgia board of regents, Chancellor Hank Huckaby